Orangeburg mother sentenced to 35 years for killing two sons

A judge has sentenced an Orangeburg mother to 35 years in prison Friday after she admitted killing her two young sons before staging their death by driving her car into a nearby river.

Shaquan Duley pleaded guilty earlier this month for the murder of 2-year-old Devean and 18-month-old Ja’van. Circuit Judge Edgar Dickson said he considered that in her sentencing.

“After considering everything, including the murder of these two children, your children, by… the person who had the obligation to protect them above all others, this court does not believe that the minimum sentence is appropriate,” Judge Dickson told Duley during Friday’s hearing.

Duley received two sentences of 35 years each, to be served concurrently. She will get credit for the nearly two years she has already served. She has 10 days to appeal her sentence.